Springing Forward
image via muffet
Last week was not the stuff the good life is made of. Bogged down with melting snow and a bout of laryngitis that went from bearable to bad, I somehow lost my way. And I know you know what I mean: the days when everything loses its luster. Sadly, all the stuff that got you fired up about life is still there, it’s just not resonating with you in the same way. You slog through each day with no spark.
Well, I spent the weekend petting puppies and getting pep talks from a close friend, going to bed early, and drinking lots of Throat Comfort tea. And now Monday feels like a real fresh start. I’m not saying that I woke up feeling that the world was fresh and new and full of potential, but I’m actively reminding myself that it is.
And that’s what’s so glorious about spring. Just as you are starting to lose hope, the sunlight starts stretching past 5pm and the air warms up enough that you open the windows. It’s the natural cycle of things to at times have to turn it and rebuild before you can be renewed. I see a bouquet of daffodils in my future.
What’s your favorite thing about spring? Do you feel yourself wanting to take on shelved projects with a renewed sense of vigor? Do you, too, find yourself wanting a puppy?
Sasa: I know what you mean…It was really warm (O! Cruel cruel Falsespring!) and I was all perky and motivated to do a million things of a morning. Then suddenly the weather dropped back to zero and I just wanted to huddle inside and feel sorry for myself again.
We live near an animal shelter and walk past there a lot and it makes me covet a micropig more than a puppy though I’m not at all sure that has anything to do with spring. It’s more of a permanent state of want.
The bowl of citrus and yellow tulips on the kitchen table helps with the Falsespring blues - I say go the daffys, it’s sure to help.25 weeks ago
Adrienne: I want a puppy all the time, regardless of the season! But I do know what you mean about spring; the lengthening days and sunnier mornings are bringing about a renewed vigor. I want to go play outside all the time now.25 weeks ago
Erica: I woke myself woke up feeling the “spring fever”. The sun was high in the sky and decided it’s time to garden! now on to the puppy thing, I always want a new puppy. I have one extra large dog and one medium. My poor house or my nerves don’t think we can handle another one. Puppy breath is the best!25 weeks ago
Julia: My favourite thing about spring is in your picture at the top: I just love daffodils, the bright cheery colour, the hopeful eagerness of the way the ‘trumpet things’ (dunno what they are - the things in the middle) look up at you, and the fact that they are a pound a bunch, making them a cheap treat that doesn’t make you fat: Hurrah!
Sadly, the bunch I bought myself last week are now dead, and today I have the blah feeling you are describing, Sarah. I may just have to get more daffodils to make it better…25 weeks ago
Sasa, I’m hoping our weather is not such a cruel tease, though obviously it is. Today is out of control lovely.
Adrienne, We’re talking seriously about this puppy business. We were thinking of getting a grown dog, but then it’s like, how often in life do you get the joy of playing with a puppy? Not nearly enough I say! We’re making ourselves take this decision seriously rather than just go out and grab the cutest fur ball (which is what I want to do).
Erica, Puppy breath! I love it!
Hope you got out in your garden.
Julia, It’s true — they are so optimistic those daffodils! Would that there were more cheap treats that don’t make you fat, you know?
25 weeks ago
Martha: I can root for getting a “grown” dog - it’s definitely full of challenges, but they can still be so cute and in NYC apartments, finding a dog that’s housebroken can be a gift from heaven on those snowy/rainy dark mornings. Feel free to come over and take Jasper on a test drive to the park anytime!25 weeks ago
Jen: The past couple days’ weather had energized me so much that I spent an hour this morning itemizing all the projects I’d like to take on! Gotta be careful not to set myself up for disappointment but it really is so invigorating when you start to see clear skies and sunshine for the most part of the days!
Love your shot of the daffodils! As for pets, I’ve wanted a puppy for ages now! Still couldn’t convince my Mr Man to agree…….25 weeks ago
Janice: It has been unseasonably gloomy and rainy here in the desert southwest this past month as well. Hoping the weather man is right about the beautiful weekend coming up.25 weeks ago
Julia, When you said you could get a bouquet of daffodils for a pound, I couldn’t believe it. But I just found a place that sells a bouquet for $2.50! I bought 3!
Martha, A housetrained dog is definitely a plus, and I can’t wait to meet Jasper.
Jen, You’re an inspiration! I love making lists of everything I want to do. It’s so exhilarating.
Janice, I hope your weather man is right, too! Nothing like a dose of sunshine to get your spirits up. Maybe in the meantime you can enjoy reading time and tea.25 weeks ago
evontameca: I love the smell of Spring. And every year it’s the same… a green, dewy fragrance. Although I somewhat dread Spring because it’s a reminder that I need to start seriously working out, still it’s lovely.25 weeks ago
jeannette: WELL SAID. feel better . . . .25 weeks ago
Christine H.: As I’m sure you know, spring is very fleeting in Texas (it’s been in the 80º’s for a few days) so I try to seize the day and get outside as much as possible and roam around the wildflowers and throw the windows open to enjoy the fresh air. I know it won’t be long before the AC will have to be turned on.
Of course in Austin, spring also means South by Southwest. I know a lot of locals hate it but I love it! Free shows, free food, free drinks and you get to meet people from all over the world? Who wouldn’t like that?25 weeks ago